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New Christmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa songs
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Haruo Date: 27 Dec 02 - 02:47 AM Indeed, Mrrzy, practically by definition Solstice must be a twice-a-year thing ;-) ! Haruo who lives in the shadow of the Solstice Parade, and it ain't in winter! |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Mrrzy Date: 26 Dec 02 - 06:14 PM It occurs to me that Solstice need not be a once-a-year thing - so I'm going to add verses to mine, as soon as I get back, Mom calleth of course as soon as I get online... |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Haruo Date: 26 Dec 02 - 05:46 PM Our Brother Is Born isn't new, but I never saw it till day before yesterday and I like it, so there it is... Haruo |
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Subject: RE: New Solstice Songs From: Genie Date: 22 Dec 02 - 06:54 PM Solstice (by Jeannie) |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST,Vintage Martin Date: 22 Dec 02 - 06:28 PM Stuff Your Guts May not be new, but it's new to me. VM |
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Subject: RE: New Christmas Songs From: Genie Date: 20 Dec 02 - 08:22 PM Here's a sort of retelling of the Christmas story from the standpoint of one of the younger angels who sang with the "multitude of the heavenly hosts." Singin' With The Big Choir |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Genie Date: 18 Dec 02 - 10:31 PM Christmas Eve (Alfie Duggan) |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Haruo Date: 17 Dec 02 - 12:19 AM Here it is: Who'd Have Thought the Lord Almighty. Haruo |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Haruo Date: 16 Dec 02 - 05:53 PM I have been looking all over the Mudcat for the lyrics of my 1996 song in honor of Jesus' female forebears, Who'd Have Thought the Lord Almighty, but I don't see it. This evening I'll try to post it. It's in my online hymnal, of course, but that's not the same as having it here, and although it's not technically a Christmas song (the Scripture it's based on is the genealogy in Matthew 1 preceding Matthew's Christmas narrative) it's appropriate to the season. The tune is "Cheating Game", basically "Silver Threads and Golden Needles". Haruo |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Mrrzy Date: 16 Dec 02 - 12:52 PM Also from Harry Belafonte (Hey, I didn't know all that Longfellow stuff, good to know!): The first good joy that Solstice brings it is the joy of one The next good joy that solstice brings, it is the joy of two The...three The...four |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Haruo Date: 16 Dec 02 - 01:48 AM In Bethlem Town I wrote this in 1997, so it's not "new", but apparently I've never posted it in the Forum before (at least if I did I can't find it). Haruo |
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Subject: RE: New ChristmasSongs (Xmas Songs) From: Genie Date: 15 Dec 02 - 09:34 PM Christmas Eve (Irish Christmas song by Alfie Duggan) |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Mrrzy Date: 13 Dec 02 - 06:37 PM See also this thread for one I posted earlier, well, 2 if you count the one I did the take-off of. |
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Subject: New Seasonal Songs for Mudcat Songbook From: Genie Date: 13 Dec 02 - 01:59 PM Aine has asked me to invite all of you who have written holiday/seasonal songs if she could have permission to add them to the MUDCAT SONGBOOK. Please PM or email Aine and give her a link to your lyrics (w chords if possible), if you'd like your song(s) to be included. MIDIS can be sent, IIRC, to MMario or Joe Offer or Pene Azul, so they can be included in the Mudcat MIDIs. |
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Subject: RE: New ChristmasSongs From: Genie Date: 11 Dec 02 - 09:39 PM I just finished a light-hearted Christmas song written from the point of view of one of the angels in the "multitude of the heavenly hosts" who sang for the shepherds on the first Christmas. I think it's a really fun song. It's a kind of soft rock or rockabilly song aimed at kids (of all ages). I'm not sure I should post it in the forum yet,* but I will be glad to email or fax the lyrics/chords, sheet music (Finale NotePad Plus), or email a MIDI to anyone who requests it. Genie *My hesitation about posting it has nothing to do with the quality of the song. I just want to get some ducks in a row re copyright registration and sending the song to publishers first. I may be able to clear those things up shortly. Meanwhile, I don't mind sharing the song with individuals who would like to see/hear it. |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Genie Date: 11 Dec 02 - 02:22 AM That song is by Stephanie Davis. Here is another Christmas Song she wrote and sings, a bluegrass Christmas story: Wondrous Light |
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Subject: RE: New ChristmasSongs From: Genie Date: 10 Dec 02 - 09:34 PM Here's one about a girl who takes in a wounded bird and gives it to the Christ child The Gift |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST,winterbright Date: 09 Dec 02 - 02:57 PM There's a beautiful song on an old Harry Belafonte album; it (the song) is called "Borning Day" and may be old or not. The album cover has H.B. walking on a brick road... can't remember the title. First verse is: Mary and the baby hungry; oh, we know what hungry be; so we bring them peas and rice, a little ginger tea... only pigeon peas and rice, a little giner tea; Mary thank us with her eyes; she pour the same as we... It's a west Indian-type flavor; not your usual Christmas song. |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: CapriUni Date: 09 Dec 02 - 01:57 PM 1) Ann, when you are sure you've got it nailed down could you mail me a copy of the best and latest simple MIDI and text? I'd like to update the copy on my site. On its way... |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: denise:^) Date: 09 Dec 02 - 10:55 AM Here's the story: "Many people have asked about the extra "a" in Kwanzaa. The extra "a" was legend to have been added during a pageant celebration during one of the first Kwanzaa celebrations. It is said that seven children were on stage. Six of the seven children each held a letter from the word Kwanzaa. When it was noticed that the seventh child did not have a letter, the extra "a" was added. Today this extra "a" helps to distinctly identify this African American Holiday." ...and here's a link. denise:^) |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Haruo Date: 09 Dec 02 - 04:18 AM 1) Ann, when you are sure you've got it nailed down could you mail me a copy of the best and latest simple MIDI and text? I'd like to update the copy on my site. 2) My own collection of Christmas songs in my online hymnal, though mostly Esperanto-oriented, has some other useful stuff too; and while little of it is technically "new" this Advent, about 30% of the stuff wasn't there this time last year, so it's "new" in that sense. BTW, my English-language index (Online Christmas Carols in Esperanto) was just added to the copious links at the Kir-Shalom Holy Christmas page (it's in Part I, under Christmas & Advent Hymns & Carols). If you're a Christmas type, Kir-Shalom is well worth bookmarking; good for Easter stuff, too. (Not much paganism, though; it's a church-related site; United Church of Canada.) Haruo |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Genie Date: 09 Dec 02 - 03:57 AM Keep us posted, Michael, OK? |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST,Michael Kelly Date: 08 Dec 02 - 11:28 PM Hi Genie No I don't have a MIDI version as I am just getting around to learning how to use this 'techy' stuff. I am, however, in the middle of recording a few CD's and I will have this song on one of them. |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST,daylia Date: 07 Dec 02 - 10:46 AM A few years ago I tried to create a "new song" for Yule that would highlight the pagan roots of the Christmas season. I borrowed some lines from Starhawk's winter solstice ritual in "The Spiral Dance" (you witchy types probably know who I'm talking about), changed them a bit and set them to the chords from 'Greensleeves', with a couple variations and a new melody to fit the words. Goes like this. SUN CHILD "We are awake in the night We turn the Wheel to bring the Light We call the sun from the womb of the night It is the Lord of all life Who is born again tonight The Great Mother who gives birth to Him Darkness and tears will be set aside When the sun shall come up again early This is the birthday of life, love and wings The Sun Child, the winter-born King The Sun Child, the winter-born King We are awake in the night We turn the Wheel to bring the Light We call the sun from the womb of the night Queen of the moon, stars and sun Queen of the waters, of the earth You bring us the Child of promise Darkness and tears will be set aside When the sun shall come up again early This is the birthday of life, love and wings The Sun Child, the winter-born King The Sun Child, the winter-born King We are awake in the night We turn the Wheel to bring the Light We call the sun from the womb of the night O golden Sun of hill and field Light the earth, light the skies Light the waters, light the fires of our yearning Darkness and tears will be set aside When the sun shall come up again early This is the birthday of life, love and wings The Sun Child, the winter-born King The Sun Child, the winter-born King" - thanks for listening - daylia |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST Date: 07 Dec 02 - 09:36 AM Lovely lyrics, Michael. Have you got a MIDI? Genie |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST,Michael Kelly Date: 07 Dec 02 - 03:26 AM For Genie..thanks for the link...I had to correct a few typo's and whatnot...her is the corrected version...thanks again. A Cold Night Michael Kelly (c) 2002 It's a cold night and the tiny snow flakes fall And they're landing on the face of a baby boy And his mother gently brushes them away And wraps him tighter in the manger where he lays And His father brings the ox and lambs in closer to keep him warmer, for it's deep into December And the shepherds, frightened by the angels singing Come for shelter, with the Saviour It's a cold night and the subway's running late He lays sleeping, lying on the subway grate And the warm air makes him dream of days gone by Home and family and the joy of Christmas time He's awakened by the sound of traffic passing Children laughing, people rushing, Christmas shopping In the distance a chiming church bell beckons Come for shelter with the Saviour Silent night, Holy night All is calm, all is bright It's a cold night and out beyond the clouds Angel choirs sing a timeless, ageless song And the world turns and revolves around the sun They fill the heavens singing glory to the One Far below them, he stumbles from the street into the mission To get a bite to eat and sit and listen As the mission choir is singing Come for shelter with the Saviour Come for shelter Alleluia |
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Subject: RE: New Christmas Songs From: Genie Date: 06 Dec 02 - 05:19 PM Here's another nice new Christmas song: A Cold Night (Michael Kelly) |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: CapriUni Date: 06 Dec 02 - 03:55 PM I like the song, too, Ann. But I think you are right about that chip. Some folks don't distinguish Christianity from the political views and antics of some nominal Christians Yeah, and some think all Pagans are like Laurie Cabot! Unfortunately, it's always the loudest and most annoying people that get all the attention... And I think a lot of Pagans still kinda feel cornered by the hegemonic culture... even though we now have Grandkids who are being raised in polytheistic/Pagan families... Still, I think the line: "But he still flies high like Jupiter with a belly full of beer!" makes up for all the songs flaws... ;-) |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST,Vintage Martin Date: 06 Dec 02 - 03:00 PM I like the song, too, Ann. But I think you are right about that chip. Some folks don't distinguish Christianity from the political views and antics of some nominal Christians. |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST,jaze Date: 06 Dec 02 - 12:30 PM Late last night while driving home from work I heard a folky christmas ballad on the local radio(rare!). It was about a little girl who rescues a wounded bird and puts it in a beat up cage. On Christmas eve it's all she has to offer at the manger. The Christ child accepts the gift and turns it into a mockingbird. Anyone know this song or the singer? She had a fine voice. |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: CapriUni Date: 06 Dec 02 - 11:07 AM There is a relatively new Pagan Folk-Rock Band out of North Georgia called "Emerald Rose". They started out in 1998, and finally took the plunge and went pro last year some time, I think... Anyway, they've recently put a new mix of their original song "Santa Claus is Pagan, Too," up on the web, here*. It's got that old Christianity-shaped chip on its shoulder, which usually annoys the Hel out of me, but the overall song is so jolly I'm willing to forgive them, this time. ;-) *(They have an mp3 site for many of their songs, but the address has changed, and I can't find it easily) |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST Date: 05 Dec 02 - 12:34 AM Solstice songs |
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Subject: RE: New Christmas Songs From: Genie Date: 03 Dec 02 - 12:02 PM I'm not sure how new this one is, but it's new to me: Bambino |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Genie Date: 02 Dec 02 - 12:50 PM New Christmas carol, to an old folk tune: Glaston Nativity (Keith A) |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST Date: 29 Nov 02 - 12:58 PM Is this thread too broad? Seperate threads for Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, the solstice and so forth maybe? |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Haruo Date: 24 Nov 02 - 08:53 PM Well, if the nguzo saba were part of the original elaboration of the festival, then a seventh letter (third a) was, too. But if the nguzo saba were originally the nguzo sita (six principles), or if the whole notion of nguzo came along later, then the seven children myth could have historicity. I have inclined to the supposition that the final -aa was chosen to counteract the English-speaker's natural inclination to make a final -a schwa, i.e. a neutral vowel like the "oi" in "porpoise", instead of a full-bodied "ah" like the final vowel in Swahili "kwanza". BTW I find it rather silly to call Swahili "Kiswahili" in English. Kiswahili is Swahili for "Swahili", but the "Ki-" is a Swahili prefix more or less equivalent to English "-ish" or "-ese" in "Swedish" or "Japanese". If we're not going ostentatiously to go around calling "Swedish" "svenska" (be sure not to capitalize it!) and Japanese "Nihon-go" (the -go being equivalent to Swahili Ki-), then why the insistence on Kiswahili? Occasionally you even see (in English) "isiZulu", where "Zulu" ought to suffice. I think major African languages are just as much entitled to their own English names as are major Asian or European ones. (Sorry about the rather off-topical rant.) Haruo |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST,winterbright Date: 24 Nov 02 - 01:34 PM denise, To the best of my knowledge, the second 'a' was added by it's creator at its inception - but I'm unable to remember his reason. Will try to look it up in a coupla days for you. I LOVE the 7 kids/candles myth though. A nice children's book is Imani's Gift at Kwanzaa - can't tell you the author. |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: CapriUni Date: 24 Nov 02 - 12:26 PM Kwansaa is a non-religious observance held on the week between Christmas and the New Year, celebrating the values of the African-American community, and introduced in 1966 as an answer to the commericialism of modern Christmas. Here is a good, brief description. |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser) Date: 24 Nov 02 - 05:08 AM So what is Kwanzaa? |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Genie Date: 24 Nov 02 - 02:27 AM A relatively new Christmas song that I really like is this (sung by Kenny Rogers) Pretty Little Baby Child A number of Pagan Versions of Christmas Carols are here. |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: denise:^) Date: 22 Nov 02 - 04:47 PM Speaking of Kwanzaa, Hauro, from what I've read about the origins of the holiday (for the uninformed, it began in 1966 in California--it's *not* an ancient African celebration), it WAS originally spelled "Kwanza--" but there were 7 children who wanted to hold candles in the first celebration, so they added an extra "a." I came across this explanation several times while looking for information to share with my students, so, if it's a myth, it's a widely-traveled one. (wouldn't be the first...) --denise:^) |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Genie Date: 22 Nov 02 - 04:19 PM Mostly Wy'East Unitarian Fellowship in Portland, OR, though I'm still a member of First Unitarian Church there. They both use "Singing The Living Tradition" as a hymnal. Genie |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: GUEST,winterbright Date: 22 Nov 02 - 04:09 PM Genie, Which UU do you go to? I'm in Brunswick, ME, and am doing a Kwanzaa service on 12/29. |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Genie Date: 21 Nov 02 - 10:22 PM Here's the tune to Raise Your Voices In The Song . |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Genie Date: 21 Nov 02 - 09:07 PM MMario, Mrrzy, lots of songs are 'tradtional' in the sense that you mean. (Though I'd wager most folks who know the words to "I Heard The Bells..." have learned them via recordings or hymnals, whereas they learned "Jingle Bells" aurally.) We do modify the words to old songs (e.g., singing "brothers" instead of "darkies" in Stephen Foster's "Old Folks At Home." But I personally don't like it when a known composer's poem is re-written in a way that radically changes the meaning. (What my fellow Unitarians have done with "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," for instance, I find just silly.) At any rate, I'm no purist and have altered lines here and there myself (not always intentionally), so if you want to rewrite old carols, go ahead, and enjoy the singing. Just wanted to make a distinction between songs such as Silent Night (Stille Nacht) which were formally written down and songs that have been disseminated through oral/aural tradition. Nobody really knows what the original words to "Go Tell It On The Mountain," do they? We do know the original words to Longfellow's poem. Click here. Genie |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: CapriUni Date: 21 Nov 02 - 01:25 PM Here is a whole website of known carols rewritten for Yule/Solstice. I think my favorite (right now) is the reworking of Harry Belafonte's "Day-o" ;-). Close the pop-ups, and click on Index by Title to open a frame and find it... The music plays automatically as the page opens... |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: MMario Date: 21 Nov 02 - 12:16 PM well - it is a "traditional" Christmas song in that it has become one of the songs people expect to hear during the Christmas season. The two tunes I have heard it sung with are both over 125 years old; one is in fact older then the lyrics! Additionally many ( I would venture to say most) people have learned this by oral/auditory transmission rather then from sheet music. |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Genie Date: 21 Nov 02 - 12:04 PM Mrrzy, I'm all for the folk tradition and for various occasions I have reworked known songs or written new verses, too. The U-U church I go to has done all sorts of rewriting of old hymns, though in some places it gets kinda contrived. Generally, I like the versions you've done above, for those who celebrate Solstice and don't want to celebrate Christmas.
I just want to point out, since all the other songs you've revised above are traditional, that "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" is from a poem by Longfellow, and it had special significance in being written about bells he heard on Christmas Day being drowned out by the cannons of the War Between The States. Personally, I'm not in favor of rewriting Longfellow any more than I would a contemporary poet or Shakespeare.
Anyway, I hope people are not under the impression that "I Heard The Bells" is traditional.
Genie |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Mrrzy Date: 21 Nov 02 - 11:17 AM My kids and I have been rewriting old favorites to eliminate references to deities or $mas... most work, if you can get around the rhymes. For instance: Solstice is coming, the goose is getting fat And Deck the Halls doesn't require ANY rewriting, luckily. We wish you a merry Solstice (x3), which is Happy New Year and, one of my faves we have by Harry Belafonte (which is also unsexist-ed) I heard the bells on Solstice day, their old familiar carols play I'm going on looking for more... Sol, a-sol, a solstice, please good missus a solstice |
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Subject: RE: New Xmas/Solstice/Hanukkah/Kwansaa Songs From: Genie Date: 21 Nov 02 - 12:01 AM refresh |
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